Councilors back move to junk SK over dirty politics

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet — The municipal council here has expressed full support for a proposal calling for the abolition of the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK), saying the youth group has become breeding ground for teenagers to practice "dirty politics" as done by their elders.

The municipal legislators here said it would be best if Congress amends the Local Government Code of the Philippines to scrap the provisions requiring the organization of SK.

This would enable the youth to concentrate on their study rather than getting involved in dirty politics which has become the breeding ground for dishonest and corrupt leaders.

The municipal council came out with its position on the issue following the confusion caused by the sudden resignation of Jane Aprille Luis, SK president in this capital town and the ex-officio councilor in the municipal council.

She resigned so she can concentrate on her studies. She also quit for health reasons.

Luis, a second-year nursing student, opted to quit politics because of the tremendous pressure involved in her post, aggravated by hectic class schedule.

As a result, her grades were eventually compromised, causing her name to be dropped from the dean’s list.

Several proposals were submitted by lawmakers in both chambers of Congress, all calling for the abolition of the SK.

One reason is that it does not conform to the purpose the organization was formed as the SK leaders are being used as political allies by politicians.

Various groups in this town hailed the action by Luis of quitting politics in favor of her studies.

Some two years ago, student leaders of private and public secondary schools nationwide passed a resolution calling on Congress to abolish the SK because the organization failed to promote the interest of the youth.

The student leaders accused SK officials of being dummies of corrupt and dishonest politicians. – Dexter A See